The 2022 MTV Video Music Awards delivered in high-octane celebrity-style moments and tech-powered performances. For the most part, the high-adrenaline fashion and music moments (think back to Britney Spears handling a snake in a Kurt and Bart bra top and low-rise shorts in 2001) it's known for were amiss, but there were a few red carpet appearances that stole the show.

First, Lizzo floated down the black carpet in a voluminous silk taffeta gown designed by Glenn Martens for Jean Paul Gaultier. Then she wowed the audience with a dynamic performance given in a custom pink Rey Ortiz catsuit, moments before she turned heads again in a black corset dress featuring sheer detailing along the front, sleeves, and legs. Meanwhile, Lil Nas X also made a bold entrance, foregoing a shirt in favour of a feather-trimmed tiered skirt and matching headpiece by Harris Reed. He later accepted multiple awards onstage, dressed in a black maxi with standout metal-trimmed cutouts throughout the bodice.

After the ceremony, the VIP attendees headed to Manhattan for the afterparty at the Fleur Room in Chelsea. Nicki Minaj, the lady of the hour, stunned in a champagne-coloured high-slit dress by Burberry. Taylor Swift also stood out among those who dressed to the nines, trading the crystal Oscar de La Renta dress she wore on the black carpet for a royal blue sweetheart-neck satin design embellished with silver metallic stars. She dialled up the sophistication of her Moschino evening look with glittery platform sandals by Alexander McQueen and an ivory fur coat. Elsewhere, Sabrina Carpenter somewhat stuck to her red carpet aesthetic in a bedazzled mini dress styled with towering Valentino pumps.

Ahead, see who joined the celebrations and what they wore.